|
We use Regal Industries cellulose insulation. This is the best product to use in the attics of new and existing homes. Cellulose gives a monolithic seal over your entire attic.
Cellulose vs. Fiberglass
Cellulose is made up of 75-85% of recycled material, where as fiberglass is made up of only 35% or less. Cellulose's performance is superior to that of fiberglass. Cellulose's R-value actually gets better as the outdoor temperature drops. Fiberglass loses up to 50% of its R-value as the temperature drops to -18F, cellulose gains up to 8% in the same conditions.
The costs of manufacturing fiberglass is also subpar to that of cellulose. Fiberglass is produced in large blast ovens that run off natural gas. These blast ovens generate enormous amounts of chemical byproducts such as formaldehyde, urga, polyvinyl, acetate chlorines, etc. Since fiberglass is a porous material, small amounts of these chemicals remain trapped in the fiberglass, while the remainder gets released into the atmosphere. Manufacturing fiberglass to insulate the same-sized structure to the same R-value consumes SEVEN TIMES more energy than it does to manufacture cellulose. The manufacturing costs of polystyrene in similar conditions is as much as THIRTY TIMES more energy.
Cellulose has better Sound Transmissions Class (STC) ratings as well as better fire resistance ratings compared to fiberglass. Overall, cellulose is a better insulation and cheaper than fiberglass since it basically is a dead technology. Fiberglass will not be getting any better, so the smarter and more cost effective recommendation is cellulose. Your overall insulation decisions would be much easier if fiberglass wasn't considered at all. | 
.jpg)